Sermon Title: LIVING BETWEEN PROMISE AND RETURN
Sermon Text: MARK 13:28-37
Sermon Series: UNTIL HE COMES: THE KING PREPARES A WATCHFUL CHURCH
By: PTR NIC SY
Mark 13:28-37 NIV
“Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near.Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door.Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.“Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn.If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping.What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’ ”
SERMON NOTES
Knowing about the future is not the same as being ready for it.
I. HOLD FAST TO HIS WORD (13:28-31)
Learn | Greek: manthanó | the active process of acquiring knowledge that transforms the learner.
Pass away | Greek: parerchomai | to perish, to come to an end.
If God’s Word is not your compass, the world’s opinions will become your map and you will get lost.
Reflect: Is God’s Word your anchor, or just one of many voices you consider?
II. BE FAITHFUL IN YOUR WORK (13:32-34)
Task | Greek: ergon | deed, labor, work.
Faithfulness is not about prominence; it’s about obedience. God measures stewardship, not spotlight.
Reflect: If Jesus came back today, what would he find you doing?
III. STAY AWAKE IN YOUR WALK (13:35-37)
Jesus is not only calling us to be aware that he is coming, he is calling us to live in a way that reflects that reality every day.
Keep watch | Greek: grégoreó | to stay alert, to remain awake, to be vigilant.
Readiness is not an advanced level of Christianity; it is the normal posture of a follower of Jesus.
BIBLE READING GUIDE
March 30 Mark 13:28-37
March 31 2 Timothy 3:14-17
April 1 Isaiah 40:6-8
April 2 Colossians 3:23-25
April 3 1 Thessalonians 5:4-8
April 4 Psalms 97:1-12
April 5 Titus 2:11-14